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![]() Government of Canada announces Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership programOctober 3, 2003 OTTAWA, ONTARIO AND INUVIK, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES -The Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, and the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State (Children and Youth), today announced the start up of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. The submission deadline for ASEP proposals seeking funding in this fiscal year is November 21, 2003. Treasury Board approved a funding total for ASEP of $85 million over the next five years. As a partnership initiative involving Aboriginal groups, major corporate employers, and provincial and territorial governments, ASEP is aimed at securing and increasing Aboriginal participation in large economic developments in and near their communities. ASEP's overall objective is sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in major economic initiatives, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals. ASEP will complement the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy, which has been in place since 1999. In making the announcement, Minister Stewart expressed satisfaction that ASEP offers a collaborative partnership approach to investing in the economic and social well-being of Aboriginal communities in a way that respects Aboriginal cultures and contributes fully to Canada's future. "Canada's continuing economic and social strength depends on the skills and knowledge of every Canadian," said Minister Stewart. "The Skills and Learning agenda recognizes the reality that Aboriginal people continue to face real challenges in getting and keeping good jobs. ASEP will help change that reality significantly." "This is an historic opportunity," said Secretary of State Blondin-Andrew. "Better training means better jobs, and better jobs mean a better future. But not only will this program benefit Aboriginal people, it will also help Canadian businesses in need of skilled workers." ASEP funding will help finance Aboriginal training-to-retention plans for major economic developments and resource-based projects. Such plans will cover a broad continuum ranging from basic skills, literacy and academic upgrading, through job-specific training and apprenticeships, to retention counselling and other on-the-job supports. As many as 1,000 jobs for Aboriginal people could result within the first few years of ASEP's operation and that number could surpass 7,000 over five years. ASEP proposals may be sent to the following address: Ken Donnelly They may also be sent via e-mail: Autochtone-aboriginal@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca - 30 - See attached backgrounder for more information. For more information : Andrew Graham Media Relations Office BACKGROUNDERABORIGINAL SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT PARTNERSHIP (ASEP)
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